Dividing Wall Column for Absorption-Distillation Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional partial condenser systems in distillation columns face challenges in achieving a sharp split between liquid and vapor products, leading to significant losses of heavier components in the vapor product and vice versa, resulting in low recovery and high operating costs due to the need for refrigeration or increased pressure.
Innovation Solution
A top dividing wall column is employed, where absorption separates non-condensable components and distillation separates heavier liquid components on either side of the dividing wall, optimizing the separation process by controlling reflux and heat input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a partial condenser is used to avoid refrigeration costs, then operating costs are reduced, but a sharp split between liquid and vapor products cannot be maintained leading to component spillover
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into two separate sections by a vertical dividing wall: a prefractionation section for initial separation and a main section for final sharp separation. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in specific separation tasks, achieving both energy efficiency and sharp separation without requiring refrigeration.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividing wall acts as an intermediary structure that enables two different separation mechanisms (prefractionation and main separation) to occur within a single column. The wall creates distinct vapor and liquid flow paths that facilitate sharp component separation while maintaining partial condensation operation.
2Temperature
If column pressure is increased to condense lighter components, then condensation is achieved, but refrigeration is required increasing operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the column into prefractionation and main sections, lighter components are partially separated in the prefractionation section, reducing the burden on the condenser. This allows condensation to occur at higher temperatures without refrigeration while still achieving effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The prefractionation section performs preliminary separation of lighter components before the vapor reaches the condenser. This preliminary action reduces the amount of refrigeration needed in the main section, lowering overall operating costs while maintaining effective condensation.
3Device complexity
If a conventional partial condenser is used, then operating complexity is reduced, but recovery of components is low due to spillover
Solution Approach 1:
The single column with dividing wall integrates two separation stages, reducing the need for multiple separate columns while improving component recovery. The segmentation within the single column achieves sharp separation without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges prefractionation and main separation functions into a single integrated column structure. This combination improves component recovery by eliminating spillover issues while maintaining simpler operation compared to multiple separate columns.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the recovery and purity of products, reducing energy consumption and operating costs by achieving a sharper split between vapor and liquid components, as demonstrated in the stabilizer and deheptanizer designs.
Implementation Method 1
One side of the dividing wall column uses absorption to separate non-condensable components from the feed
Implementation Method 2
the other side of the dividing wall uses distillation to separate heavier liquid components
Implementation Method 3
when the distillate product is removed as a vapor stream... to completely condense these very volatile components
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a process wherein two different unit operations (absorption and distillation) take place on either side of a top dividing wall column. One side of the dividing wall column uses absorption to separate non-condensable components from the feed; the other side of the dividing wall uses distillation to separate heavier liquid components.